A New Approach to Prevent Corruption in Indonesia: A Case Study on TP4 in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

The anti-corruption law enforcement in Indonesia has shown a stellar performance on curbing corruption. However, such great record has caused a dire consequence that is the slowing rate of budget absorption–realization of government projects/programs. This is caused by the growing reluctance and avoidance of the government project’s managers –which are bureaucrats-to proceed their project further due to their fear of being indicted for corruption. To resolve such, the Attorney General of Indonesia established a task force called the Supervision and Security Team of Governance and Development or TP4. The TP4 is authorized to supervise, escort and assist the progress of development project to be executed safely from corruption and errors which can lead to indictment and thus, boosting the budget absorption. This article intends to attest on whether the TP4 is effective on achieving those goals. The research is of quantitative case study conducted in the regional TP4 of Central Java which was established by the High Prosecutor Office of Central Java. The result of which shows that the benefit of TP4 started soaring in 2017 wherein the projects and total budget were supervised and escorted the most. This affects the rate of budget absorption of Central Java government to its peak in 2017 whilst the rate of corruption cases occurred is decreased drastically. This article contends that such improvement is caused by two reasons; massive support and cooperation from the stakeholders, and the establishment of alternative settlement mechanism regarding administrative errors within the projects.